Eight Summer Art Exhibitions on the French Riviera
The French Riviera is preparing for a dynamic summer art scene in 2026, featuring eight notable exhibitions. In Cannes, La Malmaison will showcase 135 works by Carole Benzaken from February 20 to June 21. The Canopy by Hilton will host a biennial exhibition highlighting 12 contemporary artists. Nice's Villa Arson will present "Magnanrama," a tribute to Natallie Magnan, with contributions from artists like Barbara Hammer, from February 20 to May 31. The Musée Matisse will unveil "Henri Matisse – Yves Saint Laurent" from June 17 to September 28. Lastly, Grasse will celebrate Fragonard's 100th anniversary with three free exhibitions from June 19 through October 18.
Key facts
- Carole Benzaken exhibition at La Malmaison, Cannes, Feb 20–Jun 21, 2026, featuring 135 works.
- Canopy by Hilton Cannes biennial with 12 artists on light and Côte d'Azur themes.
- "Magnanrama" at Villa Arson, Nice, Feb 20–May 31, 2026, curated by Mathilde Belouali.
- Exhibition travels to Les Capucins, Embrun, Jun 26–Aug 23, 2026.
- Hito Steyerl video installation at Villa Arson.
- "Henri Matisse – Yves Saint Laurent" at Musée Matisse, Nice, Jun 17–Sep 28, 2026, with 160 works.
- "Ellsworth Kelly – Aux bords de l'eau" at Fondation Maeght, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Jun 27–Nov 15, 2026.
- Three free exhibitions in Grasse from Jun 19–Oct 18, 2026, for Fragonard centenary.
Entities
Artists
- Carole Benzaken
- Nathalie Magnan
- Barbara Hammer
- Guerrilla Girls
- VNS Matrix
- The Yes Men
- Hito Steyerl
- Henri Matisse
- Yves Saint Laurent
- Ellsworth Kelly
- Jean-Honoré Fragonard
Institutions
- La Malmaison
- Canopy by Hilton Cannes
- Villa Arson
- Musée Matisse
- Fondation Maeght
- Musée Jean-Honoré Fragonard
- Musée provençal du Costume et du Bijou
- Fragonard
- Les Capucins
- Emerige foundation
- MO.CO
Locations
- Cannes
- France
- Nice
- Saint-Paul-de-Vence
- Grasse
- Embrun
- Hautes-Alpes
- Los Angeles
- Belle-Île